Conference & Meetings World Issue 127 | Page 6

News

GLOBAL SNAPSHOT

AMERICAS
Biggest ever IMEX America The 12th edition of IMEX America demonstrated the returning power of face to face in Las Vegas in October . Organisers said this year ’ s show welcomed 15,000 participants , including 4,000 hosted buyers who took part in 80,000 pre-scheduled meetings over the three days .
The show confirmed the fast , robust comeback for the industry , with both short and long-lead business being booked at the show . Exhibitors also reported the return of incentive trips and citywide , multi-venue events , while doing business at the Mandalay Bay venue .
EUROPE
ASSOCIATIONWORLD to bring BIAF to Brussels The third edition of the Brussels International Association Forum ( BIAF ) will take place on 13-14 December at the Maison de le Poste venue , organisers ASSOCIATIONWORLD have announced . The motto of this year ’ s BIAF edition is ‘ Inspire Greatness !’. The two-day BIAF programme includes keynotes , plenary and panel discussions , workshops and a Masterclass . BIAF expects to gather approximately 80 interntioanal and European association executives . Information and registration : https :// www . biaforum . eu
EUROPE
Report reveals 80 % of planners won ’ t use video conferencing to close deals
A new report from Accor , the global hospitality group , has revealed a need to focus on balance and belonging as the global meetings and events sector continues to recover and drive strategic growth .
The report , titled Meeting Expectations : The Future of Meetings & Events addresses the transformation that the M & E sector has undergone in recent years and explores the fundamental shifts impacting the industry as it continues to recover . The total global meeting industry worldwide is forecast to be worth $ 1.78bn by 2030 , the report says .
EUROPE
Gothenburg makes it a seven-time sustainability success For the seventh year in a row , Gothenburg was named the world ’ s most sustainable event and meeting city , according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index .
The Index measures the sustainability of cities from several perspectives : ecological , economic and social . Factors influencing this include how well a city manages traffic , handles recycling and works to reduce greenhouse gases , and whether there are sustainability strategies and environmental certifications for venues .
In this year ’ s GDS Index , Gothenburg scored 94.63 % ( up from 92.98 %).
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 127